MIDDLESBROUGH are set to bolster their youth ranks with the signing of Celtic teenager Josh Dede.

The 19-year-old right-back, who can also play right-wing, has been closely watched by Boro and a deal has now been agreed with the Scottish champions.

Although Dede has never made a competitive first team appearance for Celtic, his first outing in their youth ranks came when he was just 16-year-old. He's since established himself as a regular with Celtic's B Team, has trained with the first team and featured in pre-season friendlies.

He's also a Scotland youth international.

Dede's Celtic contract was due to expire at the end of the season but he's now set to continue his development on Teesside, with a deal to be confirmed in the coming days.

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He will initially link up with Mark Tinkler's Under-21s side, where he'll join Brayden Johnson, the midfielder who arrived last week from Eastbourne Borough.

The signing of Dede is seen as low-risk with any potential fees involved all hinging on incentives.

Boro have signed a number of talented youngsters in recent windows, with Harley Hunt - who was wanted by Aston Villa - joining in the summer from Swindon.

Boss Michael Carrick said last week: “As a club, we look at recruitment at different levels and different age groups. Sometimes it’s for the first team, sometimes it’s more about the long-term and development.

“It’s an important structure to keep that evolving all the way through and bringing young talent to the club who we think have good potential. That’s what we’re always looking out for."